Does Grass Height Matter When You Mow My Lawn?
As simple as mowing a lawn is… there are a lot of so-called landscape professionals who still can not just Get it Right.
For instance, the height in which the grass is mowed will vary throughout the season. The picture on the right was taken on July 21st, 2012 when most of the lawns in the neighborhood were already brown and dormant. This lawn did not have an irrigation system.
Knowing the correct deck height helped to keep this lawn healthy and attractive all season long. There are some brown spots but compared to the neighbors, it's a night and day difference.
The lawn was cut at a height of 4.5 inches. Had it been cut at 3.5 there would be no picture to show. As a rule of thumb 4 inches in continuous heat is the lowest a lawn should be mowed.
Call ScapeWorx for A Professional Grass Cutting Service in Garnet Valley, Glen Mills, & Media PA
Weekly directional changes when mowing is also very important. It helps to prevent lawn ruts and keeps the grass growing properly. Mowing frequency is another factor, you should never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade off.
Another critical element is sharp blades. The grass should be sheared when cut. A dull blade will shred the grass causing it to discolor at the tip and lose its moisture.
If you have a lawn mowing service provider that knows these fundamentals, your lawn will be thicker and the grass itself will have a deeper root system, making it more durable and less susceptible to disease, insects, and weeds.
The lawn in the picture above was cut on August 19th, 2011. There is no sprinkler system and it has not been fertilized.
7 Reasons Why Lawn Mowing is Important
- Promotes Grass Growth:
- Uniform mowing encourages even growth by ensuring that all grass blades have equal access to sunlight and nutrients. Regular mowing helps in achieving a lush, dense lawn by promoting healthy grass growth.
- Weed Control:
- Mowing your lawn regularly helps control weeds by cutting off their heads before they can spread. This keeps your lawn looking neat and prevents weeds from taking over and competing with the grass for resources.
- Pest Reduction:
- Tall grass can harbor pests such as rodents and insects. Regular mowing keeps the grass short, making your lawn less inviting for these pests and helping to reduce their presence.
- Healthy Mulching:
- When you mow regularly and leave the clippings on the lawn (known as mulching), they decompose quickly and return valuable nutrients back to the soil. This natural fertilizer supports healthy grass growth.
- Disease Prevention:
- Regular mowing helps prevent the spread of lawn diseases. By cutting the grass at the proper height and frequency, you reduce the risk of fungal diseases, which are more likely to affect long, damp grass.
- Improves Resilience:
- Regular mowing trains the grass to grow thicker and develop a deep root system, making your lawn more resilient to environmental stresses, such as drought and heavy rain. A well-maintained lawn can better withstand adverse conditions and recover more quickly from damage.
- Aesthetic Appeal:
- A well-mowed lawn enhances the overall appearance of your property, contributing to curb appeal. Regular mowing keeps your yard looking tidy and well-kept, which can also increase property value.
FAQ's About Grass Cutting
A: The frequency of lawn mowing depends on the grass type, the season, and how quickly your lawn grows. A general rule is the "one-third rule": never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time. For most lawns in our area, this means mowing approximately once a week during the growing season. In the Spring your lawn could be mowed every 4 to 5 days.
A: Ideally, it's best to mow your lawn when it's dry. Mowing wet grass can result in uneven cuts, clog your mower, and make the task more difficult.
A: Ideal grass height varies by grass type. Cool-season grasses, such as fescue and bluegrass, thrive when kept at about 3.5 inches in the spring & fall, and 4 to 4.5 inches in the summer months. The hotter it gets, the higher your grass should be cut. Zoysia can be kept shorter. Always adjust your mower height accordingly.
A: Yes, in most cases. Grass clippings can act as a natural mulch, returning nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
A: Absolutely. Proper mowing techniques are crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. Mowing with dull blades can tear the grass, leading to stress and disease.
A: Regular maintenance is key. Clean the undercarriage to remove grass clippings, mud, and debris, check and change the oil as needed, and replace or clean air filters to ensure your mower runs smoothly. Always keep your blades sharp.
A: Varying your mowing pattern each time can help prevent ruts from forming and ensures grass blades are cut from different angles, promoting more upright growth. Alternating between horizontal, vertical, and diagonal patterns is a good practice.
MAINTENANCE SERVICE AREAS
Chadds Ford PA | Garnet Valley PA | Glen Mills PA | Media PA | Newtown Square PA | Thornton PA | Wallingford PA
We service all of Glen Mills, Garnet Valley, Media, Wallingford PA, and parts of Newtown Square. For a refreshing lawn mowing experience, call us at 484 684 5500 today.
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We also provide Landscape Design, Patios, Walkways, Fire Pits, Mulching, Pruning, Sod and Plant Installations, Landscape Lighting, just to name a few.
You may also Request a free no hassle quote by using our FREE QUOTE form.